The U.S. Department of Education is investigating whether Denver Public Schools discriminated against women and girls by converting a female restroom into an all-gender facility.
Denver’s East High School now has a male-only restroom but no female-only restroom on its second floor, the department stated. Reports indicate similar changes in at least two other schools.
School spokesperson Scott Pribble defended the decision, saying it resulted from a student-led process promoting inclusivity. He emphasized that the all-gender restroom has tall partitions for privacy and serves students who feel uncomfortable in gender-specific spaces.
Craig Trainor from the education department’s civil rights office warned against discrimination, citing Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. The investigation follows President Donald Trump’s declaration that the federal government only recognizes male and female sexes.
A lawsuit was also filed Tuesday challenging a Trump executive order affecting transgender military personnel. Earlier this month, a Kentucky judge struck down a policy from former President Joe Biden that prohibited schools from discriminating based on gender identity, ruling that Title IX allows sex-specific bathrooms and dorms.
If found in violation of Title IX, Denver Public Schools could face penalties, including loss of federal funding, though settlements are more common. The district has acknowledged the investigation.
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